Malawi , formally known as Nyasaland, gained her independence on July 6, 1964 after being under British rule since 1891.  President Bingu wa Mutharika is currently the leader of this now, democratic and multi-party government.   

Malawi is tucked away in southern Africa and remains landlocked between Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. 

With a population of 14 million living in a land that is no bigger than the state of Pennsylvania, Malawi proves to be known as one of the most densely populated countries on the continent of Africa.  It is also known as the 3rd poorest country in the world with families living on less than US$1 per day. Although Malawi is not currently involved in political conflict, it is fighting the ongoing battle of the HIV/AIDS pandemic every day. The growth rate is only at 2.39% and the average life expectancy for adults is only 43.5 years. At the end of 2003, there were an expected 900,000 Malawian adults living with the HIV/AIDS virus.  In addition, the pandemic of HIV/AIDS has heavily affected Malawian children. At the end of 2007, an estimated 91,000 children in Malawi were living with HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS had orphaned over a million children. It is an astonishment how Malawian’s live up to their nickname as “the warm heart of Africa” while fighting such a tragic and devastating pandemic.